How do I stop the sides of my afghan from ruffling when the pattern indicates that I crochet evenly down the sides?

How do I stop the sides of my afghan from ruffling when the pattern indicates that I crochet evenly down the sides?

First, I'll focus on afghans. If the sides of your afghan are ruffling and the top and bottom aren't, then, you're putting in too many stitches on the sides. All you need do is count the number of stitches along the top or bottom and determine how many stitches you have in a certain amount of space; for instance, determine how many stitches are in a span of six inches. Now, measure the sides of your afghan and determine how many six-inch spaces you have. Now, multiply the determined number of stitches by the number of six-inch spaces in your afghan and you'll know exactly how many stitches should be on the sides.

If you're having a problem getting the correct number of stitches down the sides, try this: Again, measure the six-inch spaces down the sides and mark them with a small piece of yarn. It's a whole lot easier to fill up a six-inch space with a specific number of stitches than it is to fill up a six-foot space with a specific number of stitches!

Now, if you don't have anything with which to base your stitch, such as a cardigan, try this: With some of the same yarn you'll be using, stitch up a swatch. I recommend something about the size of five inches and at least six rows so that you've started to "loosen up." Now, determine how many stitches are in an inch using your swatch. Try to measure in the center of your swatch rather than along the sides, as this can sometimes be distorted.

Go back to your article and determine how many stitches need to be added using the same technique described above for the afghan. Hopefully, this will stop those ruffly edges that "ban" the finished item to your closet. :-)